Wrestling is one of the oldest sports in the world and is a traditional sport in many countries throughout the world. It has been practiced in all ancient civilisations including Egypt and China. In Indian mythology we have heard of wrestling bouts between Bheema and his rivals. In different countries, different forms of wrestling have evolved.

In Turkey, oil wrestling (where the participants are drenched in oil) is a national sport and is called Karakucak. It dates back to the Babylonian times. In Japan, there is Sumo wrestling which also has ancient roots. In China, a wrestling style called Shuai jiao reportedly has a history of over 4,000 years.

But out of all these forms, it is the Iranian Vrazesh-e-Pahlevani that has got the honour of being recognised as an Intangible World Cultura

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